is there a down side to kids having pets??

Question

We have just got our two kids a kittten. They are 3 years old, and 21 months old. I have heard that kids that have pets have better self esteem and learn responsibility. is that true? Aside from the money.. is there a down side to having a pet??

oh yea.. i don't care that at the end of the day i am the only that is going to take care of the cat.. i was just wanting to know about the long term affect on my kids.

Answer 1

Having pets for kids is good but like someone else said the kids can lose interest in the kitten within days.

You should always keep an eye on the kids when they are around the cat because it can be dangerous like its claws and being 3 and 21 they may not know that they can easily hurt the kitten...

We have two little chiuhuas and a pug and my son does not bother with the pug but he loves our chiuhuas and our oldest one Molly who is 2 pretty much stays away from my son but our youngest Cookie who is 7 months she does go around him and plays with him but sometimes she can get rough and start biting and yes she may be tiny but her little teeth can hurt and her claws are more like a cats but she is not the only problem my son is also a problem because he is constantly squeezing her and grabber her by her throat so everytime she is around I sit and keep an eye on the both of them together. Molly sees what happens to Cookie so I think that is the reason she keeps her distance from my son.

Answer 2

As you have probably already discovered, your children are too young for pets. The down side is these cute and cuddly kittens will soon be CATS! You already are and will continue to be the caregiver for these pets.
However, the children can learn about responsibility, caring, and love for another being through their experience with these cats. It has also been stated that children who are exposed to pets early have less likelihood of developing allergies to animals. So that is a plus.
Anyway, enjoy YOUR cats.

Answer 3

Your kids will probably learn to be nice to animals. Let the cats swat them and nibble (NOT BITE HARD) your children to teach them what is acceptible behavior. Your children are too young to take responsibility fully, so you will have to assign and remind them of their chores...like feeding, combing.

The only down side is if your kids are mean to your animals, the animals will start to become mean. That, and you have to do all the cleanup, feeding, water changing, vet appointments, clip the nails, clean the ears, bathe when needed, keep from eating anything poinsonous, keep from clawing or chewing your things...basically its like having another baby for Mom and Dad.

Answer 4

Fur! We got a dog almost a year ago and I have to vaccuum every single day, maybe 2 times. He knocks them over, not on purpose of course, and it's just another responsibility. But cats are different. But their fur is worse than dog's fur, as far as I'm concerned. And scratching.
One thing you need to watch for though, is that your children will treat the cat with respect and be nice to it. I have a problem with my 3 year old and our dog. But what's funny, whatever he does to the dog, my 16 month old does to him....Karma?? Maybe! :)

Good luck!

Answer 5

i say no. kids having pets is a good thing. it teaches from a young age that the world doesn't revolve around you. that is a big lesson. they get a playmate and a friend and they learn from each other. pets are great!! of course mom and dad do most of the work, but that is OK. good luck!

Answer 6

i could get her a Ragdoll cat. (Ragdoll is the breed). they're cats, even nevertheless, they have dogs-like personalities. they're playful, decide on your interest greater advantageous than generic cats, and intensely affectionate each and every of the time -in comparison to generic cats! they arrive in all diverse colorations and are flat-confronted. She in all probability desires an animal that she would be able to have interplay with each and every of the time and it somewhat is affectionate and smart. canines are super, yet because she has an apprehension of them, then the Ragdoll is the subsequent maximum suitable ingredient! additionally, now with cats, fairly of declawing them you will get soft Paws, that's like this plastic coating they positioned on their claws. i be conscious of the Animal Rescue League does it and it somewhat is in hassle-free terms $20. it somewhat is lots greater reasonably priced and lots greater humane than declawing. Then the cat can no longer scratch furnishings or human beings or climb up drapes or something like that. i've got had a rabbit earlier and it wasn't very friendly, plus they only stay 3-5 years. Guinnea pigs and hamsters stink and each from time to time chew. Birds can each and every from time to time chirp in any respect hours of the day and evening and are problematic to seize in the event that they get enable unfastened contained in the domicile. Fish tanks are a situation to scrub and fish die somewhat if no longer dealt with top.

Answer 7

Just watch out for the sharp claws and teeth on kittens, as well as puppies. They like to scratch and teeth on things and could accidentally hurt your kids and make them scared of them. The only down side I can think of.

Answer 8

I don't know, but I hear that bicycles and sandboxes have some really negative long term effects.

Give me a break! Is there anything parents don't worry about these days?

Answer 9

Um...they could get hurt from the pet, and I think atleast one of your kids should be atleast 8 before you get a pet in the house!! Unless its yours

Answer 10

There really isn't any problem with children having pets, but make sure the animal doesn't hurt them.